US State Department resumes visa processing for Harvard students after court ruling

On June 10, 2025, the US State Department instructed diplomatic posts worldwide to begin processing student visas for Harvard University once again. This decision follows a recent court order issued by US District Judge Allison Burroughs, which halted an attempt by President Donald Trump’s administration to restrict international students from attending Harvard. The State Department's revised guidance not only overturned an earlier directive that had instructed embassies to deny visa applications from Harvard but also emphasized that no student applicants should be turned away as a result of the president's proclamation. Judge Burroughs expressed her concerns regarding the difficulties faced by international students in obtaining visas from several US embassies prior to the ruling, indicating a necessary intervention to protect the university's international student population. With another major hearing scheduled shortly, this development highlights the ongoing legal battle between Harvard and the Trump administration over immigration policies affecting students. In a broader context, this situation raises questions about the limits of presidential authority under immigration law, particularly concerning the use of Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which has often been utilized by the Trump administration to impose travel restrictions and bans on various demographics. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of these ongoing cases may significantly influence the future of immigration policy and the ability of institutions like Harvard to accept international students.